What happiness means to Goans on International Happiness Day

Goa has long been painted as India’s most laid-back paradise — a place where time slows, worries fade, and life moves to the rhythm of the sea. But beneath the postcard clichés of beaches and sunsets lies a deeper, often misunderstood philosophy that locals proudly call susegad. Far from laziness, it’s a mindful way of living — one that values balance, pauses, and quiet joy. On the occasion of the International Day of Happiness, we spoke to Goans across ages and professions to understand what happiness truly means to them. From playing chess to unwinding on the balcao or picking up a paintbrush, Goans have mastered the art of slowing down when life gets overwhelming.


Finding flow by the sea

For windsurfer Katya Coelho, happiness lies in embracing simplicity and self-expression — something she says Goa naturally allows. “As an athlete, life is full of highs and lows, constant training, competition pressure, and the responsibility of representing my country,” she says. Amid this intensity, painting becomes her escape. “When I paint, I feel completely free to express myself without rules or expectations. Living in Goa helps me slow down, reconnect with my creativity, and enjoy the process rather than the result. Happiness, to me, is about freedom, creativity, and using what I do to positively impact and inspire others,” she adds.


The true meaning of susegad

What makes Goa a peace-loving state? Many would say — its people. Artist, sculptor, and cultural curator Maendra Alvares explains the essence of susegad, rooted in the word sossegado. “The term sossegado means someone or something calm or peaceful. It refers to a state of rest, without worries. It does not mean ‘lazy’. This term is often misunderstood when associated with Goans. In fact, being content and making the best of your situation is what sossegado is all about,” he says. For him, Goa itself creates that pause. “I like to take breaks and sit at the balcao. In Goa, just observing everyday life gives me ideas. It’s like meditation for me.”


A soundtrack rooted in Goa

For musician Colin D’Cruz, happiness has always had a rhythm. “I stuck with music simply because I am the happiest when I’m playing — whether at home in my studio or wherever my gigs take me,” he says. Reflecting on life’s ups and downs, he adds, “Music sees me through the lowest of lows. Interestingly, it’s those low notes I play on my bass guitar that get me high. Living in Goa makes me happy. Living in Goa with my beautiful wife, Diana, makes me happier. Living in Goa with my beautiful wife and Pinky, a stray dog that adopted us, makes me the happiest.”


Rooted in ritual and routine

For fashion designer Ninoshka Alvares-Delaney, Goa’s calm complements her discipline. “For nearly two decades, yoga has been my constant companion and a profound source of joy. Living in Goa allows me the space and stillness to stay committed — it has seen me through pregnancy and healing from injuries,” she shares. Her day begins before sunrise. “I don’t miss a single day of yoga. In the quiet of Goa’s mornings, I find internal stillness that genuinely makes me happy,” she says. That routine has become sacred. “It grounds me, keeps my energy high, and my heart light. It’s my way of staying centered.”


Wanderlust with a Goan heart


For model and entrepreneur Scarlett Rose, happiness may lie in travel, but Goa remains her anchor. “Travel has always been a big part of my life, but so is being Goan. The susegad lifestyle, the strong sense of culture, and even something as familiar as fish curry rice are reminders of where I come from, no matter where I go. Travel constantly inspires and challenges me, while Goa keeps me grounded with its simplicity and calm. That contrast is what makes the experience truly complete,” she says.

Checkmate, the Goan way

Filmmaker Miransha Naik finds his calm in a quieter corner of Goa life — the chessboard. What began as a college hobby has become his way of unwinding. “In Goa, there’s always space to pause,” he reflects, adding, “Instead of giving in to stress, I turn to a game of chess — often in unhurried settings — finding both focus and peace in every move.”Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”